Oklahoma braces for dangerous winter storm

A dangerous winter storm will be moving into Oklahoma Sunday night. A Blizzard Warning is in effect for western Oklahoma. Oklahoma City metro is under a Winter Storm Warning through Tuesday.

A blizzard is defined by winds of 35 miles-per-hour or greater which causes blowing and drifting of snow. Visibilities are also reduced to below one-fourth mile for a period of three hours or more.

As the storm system moves into Oklahoma, expect snow to fall in the Oklahoma Panhandle and northwest Oklahoma, mainly after 6 p.m. Sunday. From a period of 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, expect snow in western and northwestern parts of the state. Oklahoma City will see rain and storms for the morning commute Monday.

As cold air wraps around the back side of the storm, a transition from rain to snow will take place in Oklahoma City. Right now, models show that transition taking place by the early afternoon. During the evening commute, drivers will face dangerous travel. Winds in the metro will approach 30 and 35 miles-per-hour which will cause blowing snow.

Accumulations will range from eight inches to one foot of snow in places like Woodward and Alva and perhaps as far south as Clinton through Tuesday. There will be heavy snow in the Oklahoma City metro too. There's a fine line between who gets the heaviest but right now, areas along and northwest of I-44 look to see the potential of six to eight inches of snow. Refer to the image.

Keep in mind, with strong northwest winds, it will be hard to get an accurate measurement of snowfall due to blowing and drifting of snow. Snow drifts of a few feet possible in northwest Oklahoma.

Prepare for this storm Sunday. With heavy snow and wind, it's likely we see power outages. It's a good idea to get some groceries, fill up the gas tank, and put air in your tires. It's better to be safe than sorry in an event like this.

Models show the snow moving out of central Oklahoma overnight Tuesday. Behind the storm system, strong northwest winds will prevail Tuesday afternoon with highs in the mid 30s. Traveling will still be dangerous Tuesday.

Stay with Eyewitness News 5 for the latest. You can like us on our Facebook page, "Oklahoma Weather Updates." I will also be tweeting during this storm; Twitter: @DanielleDozier.

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